2023 Preview: Whale Branch Warriors
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There are few 1A programs in the state that have done the whole package better than Whale Branch. Jerry Hatcher’s winning culture has persisted for over a decade, demanding players to buy in and give their best. But he’s yet…
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Continue ReadingThere are few 1A programs in the state that have done the whole package better than Whale Branch. Jerry Hatcher’s winning culture has persisted for over a decade, demanding players to buy in and give their best. But he’s yet to see the pieces all fall in place to reach the ultimate goal. Last year, a rash of untimely injuries resulted in a tough first round exit. With a talented core returning on both sides of the football including receiver and stud cornerback Keith Chisolm alongside defenders Bradford Thompson and Alonzo Allen Alonzo Allen 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Whale Branch | 2025 State SC , this year could be a great chance to write a special story in Seabrook.
2022 RECAP
6-5, 3-2 region
1st Round: 43-21 L at Lake View
STARS SET TO SHINE
Keith Chisolm, DB 2024-There’s no doubt that Keith Chisolm is one of the most talented defensive backs in Class 1A. After a nine-interception sophomore year, quarterbacks knew to avoid throwing the ball his way. Chisholm’s presence and skill defensively has been paramount to the Warriors’ success during his tenure, and he’s also grown into an offensive playmaker who can fly with the football in space. He’ll be needed even more to set an example for and elevate the play of his underclassmen.
Bradford Thompson, DL 2024- A 235-pound menace on the defensive line for the Warriors, Thompson has become a hidden gem in the Lowcountry area with his power and relentlessness up front. Making a team-high 19 tackles for loss in his junior season, Bradford Thompson can anticipate plays quickly and create havoc in the backfield. He’s a humble young man who has continued to strengthen his toolbox each year and could be the difference for Whale Branch this season defensively.
Alonzo Allen Alonzo Allen 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Whale Branch | 2025 State SC , LB 2025- Possibly one of the most underrated linebackers in the state at the Class 1A level, Alonzo Allen Alonzo Allen 5'10" | 170 lbs | LB Whale Branch | 2025 State SC has been a standout through his first two years at Whale Branch. His region foes know all about him; he’s a dynamite playmaker with a continuous surge of energy on the field. He led his squad with an impressive 92 tackles last year and will be at the forefront of Whale Branch’s gritty defensive unit this fall.
FILM REVIEW
Jermon Bowers, QB 2026 – What should we expect from the Warriors’ sophomore quarterback this season? He’s been a quick learner with solid size who knows when to make the right read and get the football out quickly.. We haven’t got the biggest sample size of Jermon Bowers‘ game, but he has earned the trust of Jerry Hatcher as a game manager and one who can come up with a couple highlight-reel plays on his own too. With a variety of budding skill sets, Bowers has the chance of adding a new dimension that could ignite the Warriors’ offense this year.
BIGGEST LOSSES
Ron Smith- OL/DL- A great teammate and hard worker on the line, Smith’s presence will be missed in a variety of ways this season on both sides of the ball.
Jovahn Smith- OL/DL- Another veteran two- way standout, Smith paved the way for success blocking for a stellar Whale Branch run game over the past few years.
UP AND COMING POTENTIAL
Leon Jenkins, Jr. – OL/DL 2026- An emerging sophomore hard at work in the weight room for Hatcher’s Warriors, Leon Jenkins, Jr. has the size and the build to be an excellent two-way lineman. He’ll have big shoes to fill this year and is more than ready to take on a bigger role.
Ra’Shawn Johnson- RB/LB 2026- Ra’Shawn Johnson played a sizable role as a freshman and proved he can come up and make big tackles. He should be counted on a little more this year and should get some work in the backfield too.